_Alph._ Guard him hence, But use no violence to his royal person.-- Call back the soldiers, Carlos, from the spoil. I have my wish in having my Victoria, And would no more of him, nor what is his. [CARLOS _restores_ VERAMOND _his Sword with respect, and conducts him off_; XIMENA _follows him_: ALPHONSO _waits on them to the Door, and returns_. _Vict._ What have you done, Alphonso? _Alph._ What I ought; Obtained the glorious prize for which I fought, Redeemed you from a father's tyranny, And from a hated rival set you free. Remove, my fair, from this unhappy place; The scene of sorrows, sufferings, and disgrace; To my victorious camp with me remove, The scene of triumph, and rewarded love. _Vict._ Mars has been present with your arms to-day, But Love and Hymen have been far away. You forced me from a rival's power, I know; But then you forced me from a father's too. _Alph._ What words are these? I feel my vital heat Forsake my limbs, my curdled blood retreat. Too much amazed to speak, in this surprise, With silent grief, on yours I fix my eyes; To learn the reasons of your change from thence; To read your cruel doom, and my offence. _Vict._ Your arms, and glorious action, I approve; Esteem your honour, and embrace your love. _Alph._ My soul recovers, as a gentle shower Refreshes and revives a drooping flower. I'm yours so much, so little am my own, Your smiles are life, and death is in your frown. _Vict._ But oh! a hard request is yet behind, Which, for my sake, endure with equal mind. Your debt of honour you have cleared this day; But mine, of duty, still remains to pay; Restore my liberty, and let me go To make a full discharge of all I owe. _Alph._ What debts, but those of love, have you to clear? Are you not free, are you not sovereign here? And were you not a slave, before I broke Your fatal chains, and loosed you from the yoke? _Vict._ 'Tis true, I was; but that captivity, Though hard to bear, was more becoming me. A slave I am; but nature made me so, Slave to my father, not my father's foe: Since, then, you have declared me free, this hour I put myself within a parent's power. _Alph._ Cruel Victoria! would you go from hence, And leave a desolate, despairing prince? Is this the freedom you demand from me? Are these the vows, and this the constancy? Put off the mask; for I too well perceive Whom you resolve to love, and whom to leave. Go, teach me at my own expence, to find What change a day can make in womankind. _Vict._ Think not a day, nor all my life, can make Victoria's heart her steadfast love forsake. I plighted you my faith; and I renew My vows once more, to love but only you.